African American Pastors Meet With Chancellor Reed and CSU Presidents in the Bay Area

Presidents of CSU campuses in the Northern and Central California areas and CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed met with pastors of African American churches who are partners in the CSU initiative that endeavors to increase the number of underserved students who are prepared to enroll in college.

Nearly 30 pastors attended the meeting, which took place Jan. 11 at the San Francisco State University's
Downtown
Campus.

Chancellor Reed affirmed his commitment to the CSU African American Initiative and his support for college preparation programs.

He asked the pastors to continue to encourage students to take algebra I before the 9th grade to be prepared early for college. Reed also said that financial limitations should not be a barrier to enter college.

"With financial aid, a student from a typical family of four members, earning $70,000 or less, can go to the CSU tuition free," Reed said.

The Rev. Calvin Jones of Providence Baptist Church in San Francisco, welcomes participants.

A group of pastors and CSU officials pose after the meeting.

Governor Proposes Flat Budget for CSU

Gov. Gerry Brown

Gov. Jerry Brown has proposed a $2-billion budget for the California State University for the 2012 fiscal year. The governor’s proposed budget would represent the lowest amount the CSU has received in 15 years and reflects the continuation of a $750 million, or 27 percent, reduction in funding made in 2011-2012.

The proposed budget, similar to this year’s level of state support, relies on the passage of a ballot measure that would raise income taxes on high-income earners and increase the state sales tax, generating approximately $7 billion a year in additional revenue.

If the measure is not approved by voters, the governor's budget proposal includes a series of trigger cuts that would go into effect, including an additional $200 million cut to the CSU. Such a cut would further reduce the CSU budget to $1.8 billion, which would be the lowest level of state funding since 1996-97.

Latino Achievement Conference To Take Place at San José State University

San José State University President Mo Qayoumi will address the Third Annual "Advancing Latina/o Achievement and Success" (ALAS) Conference to be held Saturday Feb. 11, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the
Boccardo Business Center at SJSU.

The primary purpose of ALAS is to promote the expansion of a college-going culture among Latino youth living in Santa Clara County. This conference will highlight programs and strategies that prepare and motivate students and their families to overcome barriers to college.

At the event, San José State University officials will encourage 5th through 10th grade students and families to prepare early for college.

Asian American, Pacific Islander Students and Parents Invited to College Fair at Cal State L.A., Feb. 4

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students and their family members are invited to the “Journey to Success” college fair to take place Saturday, Feb. 4 at Cal State L.A.

Open to students in 6th through 12th grade and in community college, the “Journey to Success” event will feature workshops about college preparation and requirement as well as information about paying for college.

The fair is part of the California State University’s initiative to improve college access and graduation rates for AAPI students from underserved communities across the state.

Results from the CSU Early Assessment Test indicate that students from underserved AAPI communities may benefit from additional assistance in the attainment of higher education.

Nisei Diploma Project Videos To Be Presented in L.A., San Diego, San Luis Obispo

Videos with the stories of former CSU students of Japanese descent, who were forced out of their campuses before completing their degrees in 1941-42, will soon be featured at the Los Angeles Japanese American National Museum and at CSU campuses in San Diego and San Luis Obispo.

The CSU Board of Trustees awarded these students honorary bachelor’s degrees in 2010, almost 70 years after they were forced into internment camps.

It is estimated that about 2,500 Japanese American students were forced to leave California’s colleges and universities, and at least 250 of them were from CSU campuses in Fresno, Pomona, San Diego, San Francisco, San José and San Luis Obispo.

7th Annual CSU Super Sunday To Take Place in Churches Across the State in February

Pastors of nearly 100 African American churches across the state will share the pulpit with CSU presidents, trustees and the chancellor during the 7th Annual CSU Super Sunday.

The events will take place on Feb. 5, 12, 19, and 26.

Super Sunday is a program of the CSU African American Initiative,
which endeavors to increase the preparation, participation and retention of African American students (especially males) in the California State University.

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